Government Arranges Charter Flight for 164 Stranded Umrah Pilgrims

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that 164 pilgrims who were unable to embark on their Umrah pilgrimage for various reasons will depart for Saudi Arabia last night.

The minister said the number of affected pilgrims had increased from around 150 reported last week to 164. Many had sought assistance from the government after their planned journeys were disrupted, largely due to cancelled flights.

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According to the minister, the Maldives Hajj Corporation has arranged a chartered flight from the national airline Maldivian to transport the stranded pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on Sunday night.

Accommodation for the group in Mecca has also been arranged by the Hajj Corporation.

The minister further expressed appreciation to Dr Mohamed Muizzu for giving special attention to resolving the situation.

The decision to charter a flight follows earlier arrangements made by the Hajj Corporation to facilitate travel and accommodation for 28 pilgrims from the local travel agency Al Abrar whose original pilgrimage trip had been cancelled.

The last-minute cancellation of that trip affected 110 pilgrims and is currently under investigation by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the police.